Cultural Adaptation of the Younger Women's Wellness after Cancer Program for Younger Chinese Women with Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background The incidence of breast cancer in younger women, that is, aged 50 years or younger, in Hong Kong is increasing. The Internet-based Younger Women's Wellness After Cancer Program (YWWACP) is a whole-lifestyle intervention that can help young women to manage their health and risks of chronic diseases. Objectives The study aimed to test the acceptability and feasibility of the culturally adapted YWWACP in Hong Kong (YWWACPHK) and to evaluate its preliminary effects in improving health-related quality of life, distress, sexual function, menopausal symptoms, dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep among younger Chinese women with breast cancer. Intervention/Methods Women aged 18 to 50 years with breast cancer were recruited from an oncology outpatient department. The participants in the intervention group received the 12-week YWWACPHK, whereas the control group received standard care. Results Sixty women consented to participate. At 12 weeks after intervention completion, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the pain subscale scores of sexual function and more improvement in the level of physical activity than the control group, with Hedge g effect sizes 0.66 and 0.65, respectively. Nineteen intervention group participants reported that they were satisfied with the program and suggestions for improvement were provided. Conclusion The implementation of YWWACPHK is feasible. The preliminary findings suggest that YWWACPHK could increase the level of physical activity among the participants. Implications for Practice Nurses could utilize YWWACPHK to support younger Chinese patients with breast cancer to maintain a healthy lifestyle, subject to wider confirmation of these results through a larger study.